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Chai Hu Shu Gan San Vs. Bao Hu Jiang Jun Tang

by tali57 - October 27, 2009

Hi, Steve.

I was wondering if you might be able to tell me the difference in using Chai Hu Shu Gan San vs. Bao Hu Jiang Jun Tang.

I have a 13yo SF Dachshund with Pyogranulomatous hepatitis and previously very elevated LE and cholesterol. She was started on pred, abx (antibiotics), milk thistle and SAMe but seemed to respond much more dramatically once started on CHSGS. Over the last 4-6 weeks, she had been off abx and her pred dose decreased significant and was only on CHSGS, milk thistle and SAMe. Several days ago, she had a symptomatic relapse (lethargy, inappetence) but her LE have not sig increased. She is now back on abx.

Before starting the herbs, her pulse was superficial, wiry, stonger on the R? Her tongue was thin, pink w/ lavender center. Upon needling LIV3, LI4 the wiryness seemed to resolve. I have not seen her since her relapse (went to referral hosp)

Should I change to/add in BHJJT? Any other suggestions?

Thanks so much!
Tali

by naturevet

October 27, 2009

Hi Tali,

In general, in managing liver problems, the basic evaluation process consists of deciding whether you want to decrease liver blood flow or increase it. A deep pulse with high enzymes means you want to decrease it. Bupleurum based formulas are excellent for that. The big indication of when to change strategies is when you start to see liver enzymes (LE) creep up after a period of decline. At that point, using more formulas with tonic effects (such as Xiao Yao San, Bao Hu Jiang Jun Tang, etc.) is more appropriate. If the LE have not increased in this case, then I'd wait to see what happened at the referral center. Perhaps the dog has a brand new problem to address. One thing's for sure, I don't change the formula until I'm satisfied that there's a need to, based on those LE levels.

Hopefully it won't be anything too serious.

Steve

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